Policy Manager for Technology

Rebuild Local News (RLN) is searching for a new Policy Manager for Technology.

The Policy Manager for Technology will report to RLN’s Policy Director and work to identify, engage and educate local newsrooms, civic advocates, and lawmakers on how to craft policies that implicate the tech sector in supporting local news, including efforts to compel some technology firms to financially support local newsrooms through voluntary contributions, taxes, or fees.

Responsibilities

The Policy Manager for Technology will:

• Track public policies at the federal and state level including, but not limited to, policies that compel tech firms to support local news and policies related to artificial intelligence that intersect with local news
• Coordinate with RLN’s Policy Director to identify jurisdictions where policies are likely to be introduced, advanced, or implemented
• Identify, educate, and engage key stakeholders on public policies including local newsrooms, lawmakers, civic organisations, and more
• Be the primary contact within the RLN policy team on policies that implicate tech firms in supporting local news
• Develop subject matter expertise on relevant public policies including, but not limited to, the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, digital service taxes and AI licensing frameworks
• Track developments in federal antitrust lawsuits against tech firms and help RLN influence discussions about remedies
• Contribute to RLN resources like model bills, policy guidance, and explainers as well as coalition communications, like newsletters and coalition meetings

Required qualifications

These are the key lived experiences, attributes, and skillsets sought in the Policy Manager for Technology:

• Adaptable, versatile, and well-organised
• Strategic, with a good sense of humor
• Tremendous integrity
• Ability to execute high-impact projects in a virtual environment
• Experience in or expertise relating to the tech industry and how it interacts with local journalism
• Deep understanding of local news ecosystems across the United States
• Must be willing and available for periodic travel when necessary
• Between five- and seven-years’ experience in issue advocacy or public policy
• Some journalism experience is certainly a plus
• Facility for building or participating in broad coalitions
• Public speaking experience, including panel presentations and public testimony
• Professional writing experience, either in a journalistic or advocacy capacity
• Demonstrated experience explaining complex policy issues to a variety of audiences, including the public, local newsrooms, and lawmakers
• Deep demonstrated familiarity with the tech sector, either working within the sector or on tech-related policy issues
• Understanding of–and passion for–the importance of local news

How to apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and and continue until the position is filled. To learn more and apply, please click here.